Basketball Footwork Development

ABSTRACT

The present application is directed to a pair of treadable foot locators operationally configured for successive step footwork of an individual when attempting a basketball shot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

The application relates generally to developing footwork in the sport of basketball.

BACKGROUND

Teaching and developing a basketball player's shooting technique, including the layup style shot, typically begins at a young age. However, children of about twelve or younger often do not learn athletic activities via oral instruction alone, but rather best develop motor skills through a combination of both oral and visual instruction.

As is quite common in athletics, individuals frequently offer differing philosophies as to how athletes should best approach a particular athletic activity, e.g., shooting a layup style shot. Instructors and coaches may differ as to what each regards as proper footwork, proper hand and/or proper elbow placement, proper upper torso orientation in space, etc., as each relates to performing a basketball layup style shot. A need exists for a training tool that addresses Applicant's own individual philosophy regarding the performance of the basketball layup style shot.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to a pair of treadable foot locators operationally configured for successive step footwork of an individual when attempting a basketball shot, the foot locators having differing perimeter shapes.

The present application is also directed to a pair of treadable foot locators for successive steps of an individual attempting a basketball layup, the foot locators having differing perimeter shapes, wherein the perimeter shapes of the foot locators are operationally configured to dictate the arrangement of the foot locators on a training surface in relation to a shooting target located at a point above the training surface, the arrangement of the foot locators dictating the path of an individual toward the shooting target when attempting a layup maintaining the frontal plane of the individual substantially perpendicular to said path during said attempt.

The present application is also directed to a method for determining the foot strike position of an individual performing a basketball layup, including (1) providing a pair of treadable foot locators including a first foot locator having a perimeter shape corresponding to a dominant leg of an individual and a second foot locator having a perimeter shape corresponding to the non-dominant leg of the individual; (2) determining the length of the individual's average running stride; (3) orienting the first foot locator on a training surface according to the perimeter shape of the foot locator and to the location of an elevated shooting target, the first foot locator being located a first distance from the shooting target; (4) orienting the second foot locator on the training surface a second distance further from the shooting target according to the perimeter shapes of the first and second foot locators, the stride length of the first and second foot locators being less than the length of the individual's average running stride.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a simplified view of a pair of foot locators of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is simplified view of another pair of foot locators.

FIG. 3 is a simplified view of a dominant left foot locator.

FIG. 4 is a simplified view of a non-dominant right foot locator.

FIG. 5 is a simplified view of a pair of foot locators illustrating midlines of the foot locators.

FIG. 6 is a simplified view of a pair of foot locators illustrating various directional markers of the foot locators.

FIG. 7 is a simplified view of a pair foot locators operationally configured for a right-handed layup.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a half-court of an exemplary basketball court including a pair of foot locators arranged on the surface of the basketball court.

FIG. 9A is a side view of an individual transitioning from the approach phase to the acceleration phase of a layup attempt.

FIG. 9B is back view of the individual illustrated in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a side view of an individual during the acceleration phase of a layup attempt.

FIG. 10B is back view of the individual illustrated in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is side view of an individual transitioning from the acceleration phase to the takeoff phase of a layup attempt.

FIG. 11B is back view of the individual illustrated in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a right foot locator corresponding to a non-dominant leg.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a reversible left foot locator corresponding to a dominant leg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

It has been discovered that a pair of foot locators may be arranged on a training surface according to the shape of the foot locators to assist individuals in performing a basketball layup style shot. The arrangement of the foot locators on the training surface is operationally configured to direct an individual along a particular path toward a shooting target, maximizes the individual's balance, and maximize the horizontal and vertical velocity of the individual during a layup attempt. Heretofore, such a desirable achievement has not been considered possible, and accordingly, the invention measures up to the dignity of patentability and therefore represents a patentable concept.

Before describing the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to particular embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “layup” may refer to a shot including horizontal and vertical velocity including but not necessarily limited to running style basketball shots. Exemplary running style basketball shots, include, but are not necessarily limited to the basic layup shot, the reverse layup shot, the finger roll shot, and the slam dunk, as each is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of the game of basketball. An exemplary layup attempt may include the following phases as described herein: (1) an approach phase including one or more steps toward a shooting target, (2) the acceleration phase, which includes the final two steps taken during a layup attempt, (3) the takeoff phase, which includes jumping from the dominant leg toward the shooting target, and (4) the shot attempt phase, which includes releasing the basketball from the individual's hand toward the shooting target. The phrase “shooting target” may refer to any target for basketball shooting purposes. The terms “basketball goal” and “goal” may be used interchangeably to refer either to (1) a basketball hoop alone, or (2) a combination basketball hoop and backboard as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. “Human gait” or “gait” includes the bipedal, biphasic forward propulsion of centre of gravity of an individual's body. Herein, “running” refers to a person stepping or striding at a pace greater than his/her's walking pace and may be referred to herein as a person's “playing velocity,” which may include one or more speeds for a particular individual, and may vary from person to person. The phrase “training surface” refers to the surface being used to implement the present invention. Suitable training surfaces include, but are not necessarily limited to basketball courts and other athletic playing surfaces, drive-ways, and other substantially flat surfaces such as grass, clay, asphalt, concrete, rubber, wood, dirt, stone, solid surface molds, carpeted surfaces, and artificial turf surfaces. The phrase “dominant leg” refers to the jumping leg while performing a layup. As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, the left leg is the dominant leg when performing a right-handed layup, and the right leg is the dominant leg when performing a left-handed layup. The phrase “coronal plane” may be used interchangeably with “frontal plane,” each referring to a vertical plane dividing the body into ventral and dorsal (belly and back) sections.

In one aspect, the application provides at least a first foot locator operationally configured to be tread upon, i.e., stepped on, by an individual when attempting a layup.

In another aspect, the application provides a first foot locator and a second foot locator operationally configured to be tread upon by an individual when attempting a layup.

In another aspect, the application provides a pair of foot locators, namely a right foot locator and a left foot locator operationally configured to be tread upon by an individual when attempting a layup.

In another aspect, the application provides at least one treadable foot locator operationally configured to direct a person along a path toward a shooting target or basketball goal whereby the coronal (or frontal) plane of the individual remains substantially perpendicular to the path during the above mentioned phases of the layup.

In another aspect, the application provides at least one treadable foot locator operationally configured to maximize an individual's flight path through space toward a shooting target when attempting a layup.

In another aspect, the application provides a system for arranging one or more foot locators on a training surface relative to a shooting target in a manner effective to maximize a person's dominant leg effort for horizontal and vertical velocity during the takeoff phase.

In another aspect, the application provides a method for determining optimum distancing of a pair of acceleration phase foot locators on a training surface from a shooting target.

In another aspect, the application provides a method for determining an individual's first foot strike position relative to a shooting target when performing a layup.

In another aspect, the application provides a system and method for directing an individual along a desired linear path toward a shooting target when performing a running style shot.

In another aspect, the application provides two or more foot locators operationally configured to align the coronal plane (frontal plane) of an individual substantially perpendicular to a path toward a shooting target as dictated by the foot locators.

In another aspect, the application provides transportable foot locators operational upon one or more types of surfaces.

In another aspect, the application provides reversible foot locators including opposing surfaces of the foot locators being operationally configured for opposite leg use.

In another aspect, the application provides a pair of foot locators having different shapes.

Discussion

To better understand the novelty of the foot locators and use thereof, reference is hereafter made to the accompanying drawings. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first foot locator 20 and a second foot locator 30 are provided. FIG. 1 illustrates a set of foot locators for a right-handed layup, and FIG. 2 illustrates a set of foot locators for a left-handed layup. As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a right-handed layup typically includes jumping from the left leg, and a left-handed layup typically includes jumping from the right leg. For simplicity, the present system will be discussed in relation to a right-handed layup.

Without limiting the foot locators to a particular configuration, suitable foot locators 20, 30 may include a human type foot outline or shoe outline, referred to herein as a “footprint silhouette.” Suitably, any outline (or perimeter shape) of foot locators for directing an individual's acceleration phase foot strikes as described herein may be used. For example, the foot locators 20, 30 may include an oval perimeter shape, a rectangular perimeter shape, or another multi-sided perimeter shape as desired. The foot locators 20, 30 may also be solid one-piece material or include one or more apertures there through.

In one particular embodiment, a pair of foot locators 20, 30 may include left and right foot locators having unlike or differing perimeter shapes. In such embodiment, the shape of the foot locators 20, 30 act together to determine the arrangement of each individual foot locator on a training surface in relation to a particular shooting target. In such embodiment, the foot locators 20, 30 may also include one or more directional markers operationally configured to align the foot locators 20, 30 during operation as desired. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, at least one of the pair of the foot locators 20, 30 may include an alignment member 40 protruding there from. With attention to FIG. 3 (including a dominant left leg), the alignment member 40 is located near the heal area of the foot locator 20. The alignment member 40 for the corresponding non-dominant foot locator is located near the toe area of the foot locator (as shown FIG. 4). For the purposes of this application, it is contemplated that the point of protrusion of an alignment member 40 from a foot locator may vary depending on the particular individual using the foot locators 20, 30, e.g., to meet a particular individual's size, shape, and physiological makeup. Thus, in one embodiment the alignment members 40 may be detachable and/or movable along the perimeter of the foot locators.

In another embodiment, the perimeter shape of one or more foot locators 20, 30 may be customized for a particular individual according to his/her gait characteristics as applied to the layup. In one simplified embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the midline 45 of each alignment member 40, suitably forms an angle (A₁) with the midline 25 of the foot locators 20, from about 20.0 degrees to about 70.0 degrees. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the midline 45 of the alignment members 40 forms an angle (A₁) with the midline 25 of the foot locators 20, 30 of about 45.0 degrees. Regardless of the angle (A₁), the alignment members 40 of a pair of right and left foot locators 20, 30 suitably protrude in a manner effective to establish a desired arrangement and orientation of the foot locators 20, 30 on a training surface in relation to a shooting target.

Without limiting the invention to a particular embodiment, a suitable alignment member 40 may protrude from a foot locator a distance effective for desired arrangement of the foot locators 20, 30 during use. Likewise, a suitable alignment member 40 may comprise a width effective for arrangement of the foot locators 20, 30 during use.

As shown in FIG. 6, each of the foot locators 20, 30 may also include one or more directional markers such as direction lines 50, 55 for assisting an individual in arranging and orienting the foot locators 20, 30 according to a shooting target and according to the perimeter shape of the foot locators 20, 30 when placed on a training surface for use. Other directional markers including, but not necessarily limited to arrows and instructional language are also contemplated.

Suitably, the foot locators 20, 30 comprise substantially planar members operationally configured to be affixed to or otherwise placed on a training surface. Although the thickness of the foot locators 20, 30 may vary, the exposed surface of the foot locators 20, 30 lies along a plane having an altitude in relation to the training surface whereby an individual may step onto the foot locators 20, 30 unencumbered by any variation in altitude between the training surface and the exposed surface foot locators 20, 30. Such configuration is effective to allow an individual to perform a layup as if the foot locators 20, 30 were not present, thereby eliminating the possibility of tripping over the foot locators 20, 30, buckling a knee when stepping on the foot locators 20, 30, and/or turning an ankle when stepping on the foot locators 20, 30. Although, the foot locators 20, 30 may be built to scale, when used for practicing the layup style shot, suitable foot locators 20, 30 include an exposed surface having an altitude up to about 5.00 mm (about 0.20 inches) higher than the corresponding training surface.

In one embodiment, the foot locators 20, 30 may be painted, dyed, stained or otherwise marked onto a training surface. For example, chalk may be used to draw desired foot locators 20, 30 onto a training surface. In another embodiment, the foot locators 20, 30 may be comprised of thin adhesive materials such as adhesive films, tape and the like for adherence to a training surface. In another embodiment, the foot locators 20, 30 may be constructed from one or more composite materials. In another embodiment, the foot locators 20, 30 may be constructed from woven and/or non-woven textile materials derived from plants, animals, minerals, synthetics, and combinations thereof. Suitable plant materials include, but are not necessarily limited to natural rubber, grass, straw, cotton, hemp, tree fibers and cellulose. Suitable animal derived materials include, but are not necessarily limited to hair, fur, skin and silk. Suitable mineral materials include, but are not necessarily limited to metals such as metal fibers, metal wire and metal foil, and mineral fibers. Suitable synthetic materials include, but are not necessarily limited to petroleum derived rubbers, polyesters, polyamides, and polyacrylonitrile. The foot locators 20, 30 may also include an adhesive or anti-slip layer for securing the foot locators 20, 30 to a training surface. In addition, the foot locators 20, 30 may include one or more components effective to guard against deformation, chipping, cracking as a result of ozone, weathering, heat, moisture, other outside mechanical and chemical influences, as well as various impacts including tread wear. In one embodiment, the foot locators 20, 30 may include one or more ultra-violet light protectable properties. In another embodiment, the foot locators 20, 30 may include water repellant properties.

Turning to the simplified illustration of FIG. 7, the foot locators 20, 30 may be placed on a training surface during operation in a manner whereby the midlines 25 of the foot locators lie substantially parallel along a linear path (A-A) toward a shooting target (not shown). Because individuals vary in size, shape and physiological makeup it is contemplated that one or more of the foot locators 20, 30 may require an orientation on a training surface resulting in non-parallel midlines 25. However, any non-parallel arrangement of the midlines 25 is intended to provide optimum layup performance for a particular individual using the foot locators 20, 30, namely, maintaining the frontal plane of a particular individual substantially perpendicular to the path A-A while attempting a layup.

Still referring to FIG. 7, one suitable pair of foot locators 20, 30 may include alignment members 40 protruding there from as shown, whereby the midlines of the foot locators are 20, 30 are aligned according to B-B. In this embodiment, the alignment members 40 may serve as a guideline or starting point for arranging the foot locators 20, 30 on a training surface to provide a desired acceleration phase of an individual when attempting a layup.

For the purposes of this application, the arrangement and orientation (“foot strike position”) of the foot locators 20, 30, on a training surface includes (1) the direction in which the foot locators 20, 30, lie, (2) the distance between the foot locators 20, 30, and (3) the distance of each foot locators 20, 30, to a shooting target. In one aspect, a desired foot strike position includes the stride length (C) of the foot locators 20, 30. In another aspect, a desired foot strike position includes the stride width (D) of the foot locators 20, 30. As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a particular set of foot locators 20, 30 may be used by a plurality of individuals having different gaits, such as a basketball team having players of varying height. Under such a scenario, the foot locators 20, 30 may be adjusted from person to person by aligning the alignment members 40 of the foot locators 20, 30 in a manner effective to provide a foot strike position for a particular individual. In other words, the midlines 25 of the foot locators 20, 30 may be set in a position other than according to B-B for one or more individuals as necessary.

Method of Use

In general, the layup involves an individual dribbling a basketball at playing velocity toward a basket and jumping from the dominant leg to attempt a shot once the individual is within a given proximity to the basket. As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of basketball, the layup is considered a high percentage shot, in part, because a layup is intended to minimize the distance between the basket and the release point of the basketball from a shooter's hand to increase the accuracy of the shot attempt.

One typical layup involves releasing the basketball up near the basket, and using one hand to bounce the basketball off the backboard into the basket. In other words, the closer the shooter's hand to the backboard at the point of release of the basketball, the higher percentage of making the layup into the basket. Accordingly, in addition to maintaining an individual's frontal plane substantially perpendicular to directional path A-A, the foot strike position of the foot locators 20, 30 is also operationally configured to maximize an individual's flight toward the basketball goal at a projection angle up to about 45.0 degrees from the training surface. Once a particular individual's maximum flight path through space including his/her maximum projection angle is determined, the optimum distance between the shooting target and the foot locator corresponding to the dominant leg may be determined. Suitably, the release point of the basketball from an individual's hand during the layup occurs, unless a game situation dictates otherwise, when an individual has reached the apex of his/her flight path through space. Thus, the distance between the shooting target and the dominant foot locator 20 is determined by the distance required to reach the apex in flight and includes a distance greater than the distance required for an individual to reach the apex of flight.

In practice, the layup involves jumping off one leg, the dominant leg, toward a shooting target. In one embodiment, the layup may be performed using only the pivot foot (as the term is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of basketball) for momentum. In another embodiment, one or more approach steps may be used depending on the proximity of an individual to a basketball goal when initiating a layup attempt. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of basketball, maximization of a one legged take off up toward a basketball goal, i.e., the ability to transfer horizontal velocity into vertical velocity, involves (1) an individual maximizing his/her playing velocity for the number of approach steps realized for a particular layup attempt, and (2) incorporating a foot strike position of the acceleration phase, i.e., the final two steps before take off, that maximizes one's flight path through space. In particular, as a basketball player prepares for take off during his/her approach phase, the player sinks his/her hips before raising the hips back up when jumping from the dominant leg. When taking a multiple step approach, the result is the next to last stride being longer than normal, and the final stride (C) being from about 10.0 to about 30.0 percent shorter than the individual's average running stride at playing velocity. As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a player's hip sink and stride adjustment happen in response to the player's postural adjustments in preparation for jumping toward the basket.

As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, the foot locators 20, 30 are set closer in proximity when used by a typical nine year old child than when used by an adult male of average height. Likewise, the foot locators 20, 30 are located closer in proximity to a shooting target for a child than for an adult male. In an adult application, where the foot strike position is unknown, one suitable point of reference for placement of the dominant leg foot locator 20 may include the low block on the shooting lane. In a child application, the low block on the lane may serve as a suitable point of reference for placement of the non-dominant foot locator 30 (see FIG. 8).

Without limiting the invention to particular distance requirements, Table 1 below lists exemplary stride lengths (C) for persons of varying height in instances where the above parameters are unknown.

TABLE 1 HEIGHT OF INDIVIDUAL STRIDE LENGTH (C) Up to about 1.52 meters (m) About 0.61 m to about 0.76 m Up to about 5.0 feet (ft) About 2 ft to about 2.5 ft About 1.55 m to about 1.68 m About 0.76 m to about 0.91 m About 5.08 ft to about 5.5 ft About 2.5 ft to about 3.0 ft About 1.71 m to about 1.83 m About 0.91 m to about 1.22 m About 5.6 ft to about 6.0 ft About 3.0 ft to about 4.0 ft About 1.85 m to about 2.01 m About 1.22 m to about 1.52 m About 6.08 ft to about 6.6 ft About 4.0 ft to about 5.0 ft About 2.04 m and taller About 1.52 m to about 1.83 m About 6.7 ft and taller About 5.0 ft to about 6.0 ft

It is worth noting that the foot locators 20, 30 may be placed on a training surface one at a time or simultaneously as desired. In one embodiment where the foot strike position is known, and where the training surface is a basketball court, the dominant leg foot locator 20 may be placed at a predetermined target location on the court first, followed by the remaining foot locator 30 being placed on the court in a desired alignment with the dominant leg foot locator 20.

In addition to distance requirements, the foot locators 20, 30 may also be placed at target foot strike locations on a training surface according to a desired path A-A for attempting a layup. Without limiting the invention, a suitable path A-A forms an angle (A₂) with the baseline 300 of a basketball court up to about 90.0 degrees (see FIG. 8). For training or instructional purposes, one suitable layup may be performed along a directional path A-A at an angle of about 45.0 degrees in relation to the baseline 300.

In one mode of operation, including foot locators 20, 30 operationally configured to provide a particular foot strike position according to B-B, and where path A-A and the distance from the dominant foot locator 20 to the shooting target are known, the foot locators 20, are suitably set on a training surface at predetermined distances from the shooting target by (1) aligning the midlines 25 of the locators 20, 30 substantially parallel to path A-A, and (2) spacing the foot locators 20, 30 according to the predetermined stride width (D).

In another mode of operation, where the foot strike position and the distance required to reach the apex in flight are unknown, but path A-A is known, each of the foot locators 20, 30 may be set upon a training surface a first distance from a shooting target by (1) aligning the midline 25 of the locators 20, 30 substantially parallel to the desired directional path A-A, and (2) spacing the foot locators 20, 30 at a starting length (C) and width (D) as desired. Thereafter, once an individual has performed one or more layups using the locators 20, 30, the foot strike position of the foot locators 20, 30 may be adjusted as necessary to optimize the acceleration phase and alignment of the frontal plane of the individual to the shooting target.

Of further note, the foot locators 20, 30 described herein may also be constructed for reversible use (see FIG. 13). As such, once an individual has used the foot locators 20, 30 for right-handed layups the same foot locators 20, 30 may be turned over and the opposite sides of each locator may be set on the training surface, aligned and used to practice a left-handed layup.

With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, as an individual performs a layup he/she suitably strikes the non-dominant foot locator 30 with the right foot—the perimeter shape and orientation of the foot locator 30 being operationally configured to facilitate alignment of the individual's frontal plane substantially perpendicular to path A-A. Such position (1) improves balance, (2) maximizes timing of the layup shot, (3) maximizes visualization of the shooting target, (4) prevents the shooting hand, arm and/or shoulder from being closed off from the shooting target, and (5) increases horizontal and vertical drive and takeoff to maximize the acceleration phase.

Turning to FIGS. 10A and 10B, as an individual strikes the dominant foot locator 20 with his/her left foot, the stride length (C) is effective to produce a sinking of the individual's hips thereby loading the muscles for takeoff from the dominant leg toward the shooting target. As shown, the dominant leg foot locator 20 is operationally configured to maintain the individual's frontal plane 200 substantially perpendicular to path A-A.

Turning to FIGS. 11A and 11B, at takeoff the foot strike position of the foot locators 20, 30 allows the knee of the non-dominant leg to drive up and toward the shooting target along path A-A. Thus, the foot locators 20, 30 are operationally configured to maximum vertical thrust of an individual toward a shooting target 100.

The invention will be better understood with reference to the following non-limiting example, which is illustrative only and not intended to limit the present invention to a particular embodiment.

Example 1

With reference to FIG. 12, in a first non-limiting example foot locators 20, 30 are provided for teaching the right-handed layup to one or more children ages seven to thirteen, the foot locators 20, 30 having the following dimensions and specifications:

D1: about 35.6 cm; about 14.0 inches

D2: about 12.7 cm; about 5.0 inches

D3: about 10.2 cm; about 4.0 inches

D4: about 9.53 cm; about 3.75 inches

D5: about 5.08 cm; about 2.0 inches

D6: about 5.08 cm; about 2.0 inches

Thickness: about 0.38 cm; about 0.125 inches

Material of Construction: Foam Rubber

The non-dominant leg foot locator 30 is oriented on a basketball court on top of the low block on the lane facing the basketball goal 100, whereby the midline 25 of the foot locator 30 forms a path A-A toward the basketball goal 100. The dominant leg foot locator 20 is then oriented on the basketball court according to the alignment members 40 of the foot locators 20, 30 a distance about 0.61 meters (about 2.0 feet) closer to the basketball goal 100 at a stride width of about 0.30 meters (about 1.0 feet). The foot strike position of the foot locators 20, 30 may be adjusted as necessary.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiment(s) described herein are meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the invention, which is defined in the claims. 

We claim:
 1. A pair of treadable foot locators operationally configured for successive step footwork of an individual when attempting a basketball shot, the foot locators having differing perimeter shapes.
 2. The foot locators of claim 1 wherein the perimeter shapes of the foot locators are operationally configured to dictate the arrangement of the foot locators on a training surface in relation to a shooting target located at a point above the training surface.
 3. The foot locators of claim 2 wherein said arrangement defines at least one stride length for one or more individuals.
 4. The foot locators of claim 1, each foot locator having a midline wherein the perimeter shapes of the foot locators are operationally configured to arrange the foot locators on a training surface in a manner effective to align the midlines of the foot locators substantially parallel.
 5. A pair of treadable foot locators for successive steps of an individual attempting a basketball layup, the foot locators having differing perimeter shapes, wherein the perimeter shapes of the foot locators are operationally configured to dictate the arrangement of the foot locators on a training surface in relation to a shooting target located at a point above the training surface, the arrangement of the foot locators dictating the path of an individual toward the shooting target when attempting a layup maintaining the frontal plane of the individual substantially perpendicular to said path during said attempt.
 6. The foot locators of claim 5 wherein the foot locators include left and right foot locators operationally configured to direct the heel-toe alignment of the final two steps of an individual atop the foot locators in a manner effective to align the frontal plane of the individual substantially perpendicular to said path.
 7. The foot locators of claim 6 wherein the left and right foot locators include footprint silhouette configurations.
 8. The foot locators of claim 5 wherein said arrangement of the left and right foot locators is operationally configured to maximize the acceleration phase of an individual.
 9. The foot locators of claim 5 wherein the perimeter shape of at least one of the foot locators dictates the identity of the dominant leg foot locator and the non-dominant leg foot locator for an individual.
 10. The foot locators of claim 8 wherein at least one of the foot locators includes one or more directional markers operationally configured to align the left and right foot locators on the training surface in a manner effective to maximize said acceleration phase.
 11. The foot locators of claim 9 wherein the left and right foot locators each include an alignment member protruding there from.
 12. The foot locators of claim 11 wherein the alignment member of the dominant leg foot locator is located near the heal area of the foot locator.
 13. The foot locators of claim 11 wherein the alignment member of the non-dominant leg foot locator is located near the toe area of the foot locator.
 14. The foot locators of claim 11 wherein the left and right foot locators include a longitudinal length defined by a midline, and the alignment members of each foot locator are defined by a midline, the midline of each alignment member forming an angle with the midline of each foot locators from about 20.0 degrees to about 70.0 degrees.
 15. The foot locators of claim 14 wherein the arrangement of the left and right foot locators on the training surface includes the midlines of the left and right foot locators lying in substantially parallel alignment.
 16. The foot locators of claim 5 wherein the left and right foot locators include opposing surfaces for opposite leg use.
 17. A method for determining the foot strike position of an individual performing a basketball layup, including: providing a pair of treadable foot locators including a first foot locator having a perimeter shape corresponding to a dominant leg of an individual and a second foot locator having a perimeter shape corresponding to the non-dominant leg of the individual; determining the length of the individual's average running stride; orienting the first foot locator on a training surface according to the perimeter shape of the foot locator and to the location of an elevated shooting target, the first foot locator being located a first distance from the shooting target; orienting the second foot locator on the training surface a second distance further from the shooting target according to the perimeter shapes of the first and second foot locators, the stride length of the first and second foot locators being less than the length of the individual's average running stride.
 18. The method of claim 17 further including adjusting one or more of the first distance and the second distance following a layup attempt by the individual.
 19. The method of claim 17 further including adjusting the orientation of one or more of the foot locators following a layup attempt by the individual. 